On the second consecutive day, it seems that Twitter users have been left to fend for themselves against a worm attack from Mikeyy. Upon a quick review of http://status.twitter.com, it is clear to see that all answers to the question of Twitter’s Mikeyy worm attacks is vague and delayed at very best. Further than that, the official Twitter blog posts have been more public relations oriented with a pat on the butt feel of how it was all fixed and that tweeting will resume as normal from here on out.
Clearly, all of the Sunday April 12 claims of a fix and the public relations response from Twitter now looks like a cry of “Wolf” which may lead users into a feeling of false security in the future. This leads many Twitter users to question the validity of the company and of their programming practices, as well as their security response and relay of information. After all, if a 17 year old kid can single-handedly bring the service’s usefulness to a halt, what would happen if they had a really malicious attack?
From this writer’s perspective, it seems that Twitter has indeed relied upon the Web 2.0 environment to do its bidding. A part of me wants to say hooray for Twitter for fully believing in its atmosphere of people spreading the word without interruption and without censorship, in true Web 2.0 / UGC (user generated content) fashion. However, another part of me questions what may happen to Twitter without the infrastructure or discipline to warn users of a spreading worm with reliable and up-to-date information. If I am left to make the updates, anything I say will tend to lead to the cautious side in hopes of preventing excessive damage. At the same time, I must weigh that with trying to not panic users to the point they become frustrated. Does Twitter really want to leave so many holes open to public perception?
The Twitter Web 2.0 vs User Responsibility Question
Is this now our responsibility to scream out to the world that Twitter has troubles? I will do my best to protect my favorite social media resource, and I can see that many others feel the same way. As an avid user, it worries me about this basket which holds many eggs for me as a brand identity.
Should Twitter be responsible for providing a timely worm update? The question here becomes that of Twitter’s intent. People can say that since Twitter is a free service, that their responsibility is mitigated because, after all, you get what you pay for. However, if you consider the fact that Twitter also has a strong interest in individuals and companies feeling comfortable creating a brand and communications platform with Twitter, one must consider carefully how much that responsibility is on Twitter after all.
Who is Warning Twitter Users About Mikeyy?
Over the past two consecutive days, the most spread messages regarding the Twitter-targeting Mikeyy Worm has been from Twitter users. So, what gives? I understand the Web 2.0 method, and the value of users protecting the Twitter service, but all we can do without a qualified update from Twitter is to speculate and spread as much panic as possible to try and stop additional damage.
What Do You Think About Twitter’s Mikeyy Worm Response?
How did you hear about the Mikeyy worm, and how do you feel about the lack of accurate and qualified information from Twitter? Please leave your comments here on the blog and tweet this to others. Perhaps together we can build an environment in which Twitter will pass information more accurately and in a more timely fashion.